Jared AxelrodWriter of Adventure

I can’t believe it’s bee months since Balticon and I haven’t posted anything about the puppets.

Collinz, made by the talented J.R. Blackwell

A curicon, operated by Brand Gamblin of Calls to C’thulu

Podcasting’s Rich Sigfrit reprising his role as Captain Shotner, and Dr. John Cmar, playing no less than The Great Brain of Theta Alpha XII.

Myself, with The Host.

None other than Tee Morris, rocking out with a Hutchian.

The Mighty Chooch, operating a a horn-nosed alien as only he can.

I could go on and on about the show, the fantastic original Russell Collins music that was played, or George Hrab’s guest appearance, but I really think it’s best if you see it for yourself:

Aliens You Will Meet: Intergalactic Idol from Jared Axelrod on Vimeo.

Aliens weren’t the only puppets we brought to Balticon. JR and I also made tiny versions of two of our favorite podcasters, Mur Lafferty and J.C. Hutchins:

Clearly, those are two puppets we need to use more.

Download here

The Jugulites will not allow you to land on their planet, as they have a deep-seated distrust of off-worlders. Despite your best efforts, the Jugulites will fire on your diplomatic vessal, severely damaging it beyond repair. As you float aimlessly through space with only the barest of life-support, the Jugulites will apologize but will not help you, as they will say that your ship started it, by looking at them funny.

Download here

The pleasure planet of Orlandeer offers many delights for the weary traveler. It is recommended that you not spent too much time in the soothing Orlandeerian Mud-Pits of Relaxation. While the Orlandeerian mud will be soothing and stimulating, the noxious smell will follow you long after the relaxation has faded

Balticon, one of the best conventions on the Eastern seaboard,  doth approach. While I have trimmed my con-going schedule this year, Balticon was a jewel I could not cast aside. “But Jared,” you might ask, “What can you possibly do at a convention with a shattered ankle?” Due to the magic of a loaner wheelchair (thanks, Skott), I will be all over the con, as you can see:

 Live! Escape Pod - Sat 10am 
Steve Eley’s pulling out all the stops for this one, with a full cast reading of Rogue Farm by Balticon’s Guest of Honor Charlie Stross. I’m not going to crow about it before Steve does, but I will say this: I play a farmer. You’re excited now, aren’t you?

Doing It Daily - Sat 1pm
I’m teaming up with the lovely and talented JR Blackwell, Billy Fynn of Geek Radio Daily, and the ever-awesome Christiana Ellis (you do listen to Shallow Thoughts, right?) to talk about the agony and ecstasy of daily projects. Considering how funny the other three people are on this panel, I’ll probably just end up laughing through most of it. So, I’ll have a good time.

Live! Aliens You Will Meet- Sat 3pm
Are you prepared for…INTERGALACTIC IDOL, the reality competition that scours the galaxy to find new solo musical talent? ‘Cause it’s coming to Balticon, kiddies! With George Hrab representing Earth, we may be a shoe-in for that II crown! But who knows what other aliens will compete? Featuring new puppets created by JR and myself and new music by AYWM composer Russell Collins!

Live! Mr. Adventure - Sat 10pm
Bringing more Golden-Age two-fisted adventure than you can shake a stick at, the Mr. Adventure crew never cease to amaze me with their balls-to-wall Balticon scripts. No one takes advantage of the sheer level of talent available at Batlicon like Mr. Adventure, and I’m sure this year will be no exception.

Podcasting and Music  - Sun noon
I’ll be joining Dave Slusher, Phil Rossi, and Chris Lester to talk about…podcasting and music.  Kinda what it says on the tin, there. Should be a hoot.

Kraken’s Jersey - Sun 8pm
Ah, the legendary year-long Kraken’s Quest.  I’ve been asked to host this look back on the one of the most epic pranks in podcasting history, something I could not possibly say no to. Will all be revealed?  Will Tee Morris get his jersey back?  Or is this just another tease?  Only way to find out is to be there!

Now, the only question remains: Should I shave my head and be Professor X while I’m there? Being Jimmy Stewart in REAR WINDOW was also brought up. That does mean I could attend the con in my pajamas…

Download here

Voice of Free Planet X, Episode 159: Meet Wigwam Bam from Jared Axelrod on Vimeo.
Tee Morris provides the talent and the skill to bring to life Wigwam Bam, one of the many alien puppets who will be at Aliens You Will Meet LIVE at Dragon*Con ‘08.

Thanks, Tee.

Tee Morris can be found at teemorris.com

More aliens can be found at aliensyouwillmeet.com

Title footage taken from the public domain film “Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe.”

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

I feel like I should have all the puppets in one spot.

—————————————-VS———————————-

————————-WHO-WILL-WIN?—————————-

One of the puppeteers, Tee Morris was over at the house the other day–he and Philippa Ballantine are doing a signing a the Moravian Book Shop tonight, which is guaranteed to be a hoot and a half–and he gave a wondrous bit of improv with his puppet. I taped it, and will have it on the internets soon. Watching that character come to life like that made all the stress worth it. It’s really cool, having talented friends.

Something I should update on the site, in addition to Aliens You Will Meet LIVE on Saturday at 5:30 pm, I’m also on this panel:

Title: The Long and the Short of It
Description: How to write short stories, poetry, plays, and non-fiction within the realm of our genres–and get it published.
Time: Sun 04:00 pm
Length: 1 Hour

Which, you will note, is a writing panel. I’m not just a guest at Dragon*Con for my mad puppeting skillz, dontcha know? I also write stuff. And, as the panel notes, get it published. So there.

Also worth noting is that the SalonCon schedule is now up, with details about the salon JR Blackwell and I will be doing on the Victorian Sideshow. With the puppet show for Dragon*Con pretty much taken care off until we can get to the Con and rehearse, I should probably make sure all my needles are sharpened…

I’ve just been showing pictures of space pirates of late, but what about those who travel space without the need to pillage?

Captain Flash Shotner is arrogant, childish,  and not that bright.  But he does have boldness, daring, and a spandex uniform, which makes him a great captain.

Calm, intelligent, cerebral, Dr. Mars is everything Captain Shotner is not.  Which is probably why he’ll never be promoted.

Ensign Nomnom is a go-getter!  He’s ready to take orders, and, if necessary, follow them! I wish I could take credit for Ensign Nomnom, but he was made by J.R. Blackwell.

Oh, what the heck.  One more space pirate!

All pirate ships have an old guy named Smitty onboard.  Even space-pirate ships.  It’s required.

All these puppets–and the ones show previously–are going to be part of the ALIENS YOU WILL MEET live show at 5:30 on Saturday, August 30th, at Dragon*Con.  There will be video, but trust me, you don’t want to miss the live performance.

Download here

On Querylon, you will be asked to show your physical prowess by engaging in ritualistic combat with members of their warrior class.  Though the Querylon warriors are only one third of your size, they are still a force to be reckoned with.  Remember to aim low, and watch out for their tiny, tiny horses.

Download here

The Darlanians do not have travel as you know it, preferring instead to remove their consciousnesses from their bodies, and witness the world from a purely mental point of view.  As ghost-like apparitions, they will be very interested in your dependence on your physical body, and may attempt several ways to remove you from it.  It will be important to remember that the “body dematerializer device” that they will try to put you in does exactly what you might expect.

The long-awaited second entry to my Millennium Canon column is now available for your perusal. It’s a meditation on BERLIN: CITY OF STONES by Jason Lutes, a graphic-novel that earns the label. It is, quite frankly, almost unbearably awesome.

But then, you knew that I wouldn’t be writing about it if it wasn’t.

Speaking of things that are almost unbearably awesome, here’s two crew members of “The Black Comet,” Saucy Polly’s ship:

Wigwam Bam, Saucy Polly’s brother and right-wing man. Yes, that is a Nerf gun, and yes, it will be fired during the show. But not at the audience

Geuse here is your go-to guy for dangerous missions. He is either fearless, or incredibly stupid. Geuse has become my favorite puppet ever since I realized he talks like a surfer-dude. A surfer-dude space pirate. With a giant raygun. Yes.